Climo Reigns Supreme with 50-50 Performance, Jenkins Poised for Second Straight NT Title

The 2009 Atlanta Open presented by RE/MAX got underway in Roswell with a unique schedule due to inclement weather. Although the skies cleared by mid-day, Ken Climo continued his impressive performance from the first two rounds, carding two 50s and taking a two-throw lead over David Feldberg at the halfway point.

Climo, the defending Atlanta Open champion, seemed to gain momentum in the afternoon as he transformed his solid front nine into an exceptional finish. He birdied six consecutive holes between 11 and 16, effectively distancing himself from the rest of the field. This remarkable performance came just a day after celebrating his 41st birthday, where he outshone a talented group including current PDGA World Champion David Feldberg, as well as young guns Paul McBeth and Kevin McCoy.

Georgia has been kind to Climo in recent years. He won the Atlanta Open title last year, and his latest World Championship, the 12th of his career, took place just 100 miles away in Augusta in 2006. However, to maintain his winning streak, Climo will need to overcome his principle rival, David Feldberg, who previously broke Climo's Georgia winning streak with a one-throw victory at the Hall of Fame Classic in Augusta in 2007.

Feldberg is well-positioned for the Sunday showdown with Climo after throwing a tournament-best 49 in the afternoon round at the East Roswell course. He has a history of remarkable Sunday performances on the National Tour and will look to utilize his complete set of disc golf skills on the expansive "National Tour" layout at Cumming's Central Park.

Joining Feldberg, McBeth, McCoy, and Barry Schultz in the leadercard five-some are the top contenders for the men's open division.

Meanwhile, in the women's open division, Valarie Jenkins continues to set the pace with a 13-throw lead over Sarah Stanhope, 2008 PDGA Rookie of the Year, and a 15-throw spread over Senoia's own Courtney Peavy. Jenkins' impressive afternoon round of 53 was surpassed by only four others in the 90-player field, leaving her with plenty of cushioning as she heads to Cumming for Sunday's rounds.

The top contenders will face off on Sunday morning in both divisions, with Climo and Feldberg leading the men's open division, while Jenkins looks set for a second consecutive NT title in the women's division.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/2009-atlanta-open-day-one